"Kent, don't be so arrogant. We'll talk after you've truly defeated me," Qin Lei said, his face darkening as he felt the heavy injury to his Eight-Limbed Mantis. Furious, he immediately recalled it into his Beast Taming Bracelet and summoned the Thunder Bull for another round.
"The difference in our levels can't be easily bridged. Though you may have the upper hand for now, in the end, victory will always go to the one who stands last," Qin Lei declared, undeterred. Despite the Thunder Bull being countered by the Stone Monkey, he trusted in the Thunder Bull's endurance. He believed that if he played it steady, he could outlast Kent.
As for Kent's other beast, he wasn't overly concerned, thinking it couldn't be stronger than the Stone Monkey.
Kent didn't respond. His plan was to end it quickly. He locked his gaze on Qin Lei, and his spiritual will transformed into a small, invisible sword that pierced directly into Qin Lei's pupils.
Qin Lei instantly felt like he had been struck by lightning. A searing pain shot through his soul, his spirit scattered, and dizziness took over, leaving him unable to control himself.
Taking advantage of this, Kent, with Garfield's speed, blurred into a shadow and in the blink of an eye was in front of Qin Lei. He landed a powerful punch to his opponent's abdomen, sending him spiraling off the stage like a shrimp.
By the time Qin Lei regained his senses, his face was pale, and he spat out a mouthful of blood. Glaring at Kent, he said nothing, picked himself up, recalled his Thunder Bull, and walked off the stage.
Kent didn't pay him any mind. For him, Qin Lei was merely a fleeting figure, not worth lingering on.
The referee then announced, "Kent wins, officially entering the Windy Rankings, claiming Qin Lei's previous rank, number 978."
Kent smiled slightly and descended from the stage.
"Didn't expect him to make it into the top 100 so easily. And he still seems to have energy left," many people murmured, clearly shocked and no longer underestimating him.
...
The next day, Kent faced a challenge from a sophomore student. It ended in less than two minutes, with Kent effortlessly throwing his opponent off the stage.
On the third day, Kent's leg injury fully healed, and he raised Garfield's level to 43, making it a King-tier beast. Wukong's level also reached 35. His strength had increased significantly once more.
"I'm challenging the Special Warfare Academy's Jiang Feibai."
When Kent announced this on the stage, a wave of astonishment spread through the crowd.
The Special Warfare Academy, unlike the Wild Combat Academy, focused on battle techniques and raw power, whereas the Wild Combat Academy emphasized survival skills in the wilderness.
"My god, Kent is really bold, challenging one of the top 100 seniors."
"Jiang Feibai is a senior in his third year, very strong, and the leader of Class B in the Special Warfare Academy."
Everyone stared at the stage, curious.
Jiang Feibai didn't decline. He rose, his fighting spirit evident, and jumped onto the stage.
"Kent, I have to ask, why choose me?" Jiang Feibai, someone who valued efficiency, asked bluntly.
Kent smiled lightly. "No special reason, just that I think my chances of defeating you are a bit higher than the others in the top 100."
Jiang Feibai's face darkened, his fists clenched in anger. "I see. You have guts, but you're mistaken if you think I'm the easiest target. We'll see if you're up to it."
The entire battle lasted less than five minutes. Kent closed in, and despite Jiang Feibai being skilled in close combat, he was quickly pummeled, his face swollen from the punches.
"I surrender," Jiang Feibai cried out in pain, unable to endure the relentless attacks. Although he was strong, he couldn't hold out against Kent's overwhelming strength.
Kent won, claiming Jiang Feibai's previous rank, number 95 on the Windy Rankings, while Jiang Feibai dropped to 978th.
"Damn, Kent, when he makes his move, he's truly astonishing."
"This is the first time I've seen such a strong freshman."
"I'm convinced. With this kind of strength, and his ability to keep his head down, I can see why he's with Zhao Mengxi. She must be proud."
Kent's victory was a topic of much discussion, as people were finally starting to take him seriously. His strength, coupled with his hidden potential, made it clear why he was in a relationship with the campus beauty.
After the Windy Tournament, Kent's reputation was firmly established. He was no longer seen as a shy, reserved newcomer but as a formidable, low-key expert.
Zhao Mengxi playfully sent him a message: "Congrats, big brother Kent, for making it into the top 100. Haha, now you owe me a treat!"
Kent rubbed his nose. He'd been so focused on his training this semester, his strength had indeed grown significantly, but he had neglected other areas, like socializing.
As everyone knew, university life was heavily dependent on networking. In this world, connections mattered.
Of course, with Kent's strength, he didn't need to force social interactions. Plus, with Zhao Mengxi around, many people held prejudices against him, or even outright hostility.
So, he hadn't made many friends, and the only teacher he was close with was his own homeroom teacher, Ji Guanghe.
"Well, treating people isn't that interesting. We don't really know anyone else, let's just go watch a movie after," Kent replied.
"Hmph, that's you. I've met so many people this semester. If you really want to treat, I'll call my sisters, and you'll have plenty to look at," Zhao Mengxi teased.
Kent was a bit tempted. He knew Zhao Mengxi had met many people this semester, most of them beautiful and strong, and they often hung out together in a lively group.
"Is that so?" Kent replied, curious. "But will they agree to that?"
Zhao Mengxi's tone suddenly turned cold: "Oh, so you're planning to play around, huh?"
Kent smiled nervously, "Not at all. I'm not that kind of person. Even you, such an exquisite beauty, I can stay completely focused."
The Windy Tournament continued, growing more intense as the competition neared its climax, with even top 100 experts facing off.
Kent, however, was relaxed. He didn't need to compete anymore, so he casually chatted with Zhao Mengxi from a distance via WeChat, while watching the exciting battles.
"Wow, your academy's Ye Qiugao is up next, and he's challenging Huang Jintian!" Zhao Mengxi exclaimed.
Kent nodded in agreement. "Ye Qiugao won't miss this chance to show off in front of Fan Qingmei. I've heard she gave him an opportunity: if he can claim the top spot in the Windy Rankings, she'll agree to date him."
"But Huang Jintian is just too strong. Although Ye Qiugao is ranked 5th, defeating Huang Jintian will still be difficult."